USCENTCOM Commends Iraqi Forces for Capturing ISIS Leader’s Widow in Major Operation
The operation, carried out with precision by Iraqi Intelligence and Security forces, follows the March 13 strike that killed ISIS leader Abu Khadija and underscores continued efforts to eliminate ISIS from the region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant victory in the ongoing fight against ISIS, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has commended the Iraqi Intelligence and Security forces for their successful operation that led to the capture of Chechen ISIS terrorist Umm Hussein, the widow of ISIS leader Abu Khadija. The operation, which took place in Iraq, also resulted in the capture of two additional ISIS members.
Umm Hussein, an active member of ISIS, was arrested following a targeted strike on March 13 that killed her husband, Abu Khadija. Known for her significant role in the terror network, her capture marks a key blow to ISIS's operational capacity. The arrest is seen as a pivotal step in Iraq's continued commitment to dismantling ISIS networks, a task that has remained paramount in ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
In a related development, the head of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service, Karim Aboud al-Tamimi Friday, confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Kurdistan Region's security forces. This partnership led to the successful elimination of Abdullah Maki, ISIS’s wali (governor) for Iraq and Syria. Al-Tamimi highlighted that the coordinated efforts between Iraqi counterterrorism units and the Kurdistan Region security forces had been instrumental in recent joint operations. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani praised the operation, describing Maki as one of the most dangerous terrorists, responsible for overseeing ISIS’s operational and logistical networks in the region.
In recent months, joint operations between Iraqi forces and CENTCOM have led to a series of successful strikes targeting high-ranking ISIS members. Notably, in January 2025, Iraqi Security Forces, enabled by CENTCOM, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, resulting in the deaths of five ISIS operatives. Additionally, on February 12, Iraqi forces, with CENTCOM support, carried out an airstrike near Rawa, killing five more ISIS operatives. These operations highlight the effective collaboration between Iraqi forces and CENTCOM in dismantling ISIS's leadership and operational capabilities.
CENTCOM, alongside its allies and partners, has reiterated its commitment to eliminating ISIS and preventing its resurgence. As global attention remains focused on the stability of the Middle East, this operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations and the need for continued international cooperation to address the region’s security challenges.